When it comes to renting out a property, it’s important for landlords to ensure that it is safe for tenants to live in. Whether you have invested in a property purely for the purposes of renting out to a tenant, or are considering renting out a previous family home or a property that you have inherited, safety is a key priority. Not only will this ensure that your tenants can thrive in the property for the duration of their agreement, but you will also make sure that you are staying within legal requirements and guidelines. Keep reading to find out more about how to ensure that your rental property is safe for tenants to move into.
EICR
If the property has not had one recently, then it might be necessary for you to have an electrical installation condition report or EICR carried out. If the property is a home, then you will need to have a domestic EICR conducted. In the case of business premises and commercial properties, there is commercial EICR/fixed wire testing. Domestic EICR’s for home should be conducted in a rental property at least once every five years. This ensures that the electrical components of the property are up to date and safe, along with giving you an overview of the energy efficiency of the property and anything that can be done to improve it.
Gas Safety
You will need to get an updated Gas Safety Certificate for the rental property on an annual basis if it has any gas appliances such as a combi boiler or a gas oven and hob. This should be carried out by a Gas Safe Engineer and is usually quite a straightforward check. It ensures that all the gas appliances in the property are safe and in good working order. Without this check, there can be some major risks, and it’s against the law to not have it carried out.
Smoke and Fire Alarms
Under law, all rental properties should be fitted with smoke or fire alarms. There should be at least one smoke or fire alarm on each floor. It should be fitted in a central area such as on the landing, or in the kitchen or hallway when fitted downstairs. Ideally, you may want to go for hard-wired smoke or fire alarms so that tenants do not have to worry about changing the batteries regularly. It’s a good idea to have them tested regularly.
Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Any property with gas appliances like a gas boiler or a gas fire will need to have a carbon monoxide alarm. You will usually be able to pick these up cheaply either online or from most good DIY stores. They are usually battery-operated and will most often be placed near the boiler or another gas appliance to alert tenants in the event of any carbon monoxide leaking into the home. Carbon monoxide is a colourless and odourless gas that can be very deadly and may even lead to death, so this small device can be a literal lifesaver.
Fire Extinguishers
You may want to consider adding some fire extinguishers to the property to give your tenants the best chance of protecting themselves should there be a fire. Most often, fire extinguishers are placed in the kitchen. They are usually a legal requirement if you are renting out a property as an HMO or house in multiple occupation. Along with fire extinguishers, you may also want to consider adding other fire safety items like fire blankets.
Windows and Doors
Before renting out a property, all windows and doors should be thoroughly checked to ensure that they are safe and secure. Windows and doors that are not safe can be very hazardous, as there is not only the risk of somebody being able to easily break into the property but also fall risks, especially when there are young children living in the home. Make sure that all windows and doors are secure and fitted with approved locks.
Damp Proofing
Finally, damp proofing the property if needed will help to not only make it a more comfortable space for tenants to live in, but also contribute to better tenant health and wellness. Damp in a property is not only nasty to deal with, especially when it turns to mould, but it can also have a serious impact on respiratory health. Making sure that the property is properly damp-proofed will not only ensure that it’s in good condition and requires less work in the future, but will also help to keep your tenants happy and healthy. Along with this, you may want to recommend some things tenants can do to keep damp low such as using a dehumidifier.
Keeping It Together with Management Software
Landlord management software plays an important role in making sure that your rental properties remain safe and well-kept for tenants. Through using this technology, landlords can efficiently track maintenance schedules, quickly address repairs and monitor inspection dates to spot potential problems before they become serious hazards for the tenants living there. Also, landlords can use features in the software that document property conditions to comply with safety regulations and reduce risks that could harm tenants. This streamlined approach not only enhances tenant satisfaction but also gives landlords all of the tools necessary for maintaining a safe and secure living environment.
If you are renting out a property, then it is your responsibility to ensure that it is a safe and comfortable environment for your tenants.
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